The lives and stories of Oregon State University

Benny knows how important Oregon State research is to the state's economy. (photo: Theresa Hogue)

Oregon State University is making headlines this week for receiving more than a quarter-billion dollars last fiscal year in scientific contracts and awards. That staggering amount is indicative of the high level of research that Oregon State faculty and students are conducting on campus every day, but the real story behind all those millions of dollars is the contribution our university makes to the world on a daily basis.

Whether you’re buying seafood at the market or trying to decide between two bottles of wine, your decisions are likely influenced by research that came out of Oregon State. Walking past the pharmacy, you can be sure that some of the medications available behind the counter were developed at OSU, and some of the pharmacists working may very well have been trained on our campus. When you pack your child’s lunch, you have more information on the health benefits of the foods you choose because of the Linus Pauling Institute.

It’s that everyday impact of research that helps Oregon State University attract a higher number of valedictorians than any other university in the state. It’s the number one choice of Portland high school seniors, and it’s recognized by incoming students as a place where they can reach their dreams through undergraduate research, access to the state’s top minds, and the opportunity to interact with a bright, diverse and socially conscious student body.

Corvallis Mayor Charlie Tomlinson talks about OSU's impact on the city during a press conference Monday at OSU. (photo: Theresa Hogue)

There are a lot of things about Oregon State that might surprise you. On Monday, with the launch of Powered by Orange, which highlights some of the amazing work happening at Oregon State, we provided “RECOVERY, Powered by Orange” to media in Portland and the mid Willamette Valley. The document showcases some of the ways in which work on campus translates to the community, the nation and the world.